‘Disappointed’ Commanders Release One Kicker, Sign Another
The Washington Commanders aren’t content with staying put at any position — especially when a need for an immediate upgrade is apparent.
Such is the case with the Commanders’ continuing saga to find a reliable kicker, with the team releasing Cade York after he missed 2 field goals in a 37-20, season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 8.
According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, the Commanders made an immediate move to sign veteran kicker Austin Seibert to replace York.
“The (Commanders) plan to sign veteran kicker Austin Seibert, per source,” Pelisserio wrote on his official X account on Sept. 9. “A quick pivot after the Sunday struggles of Cade York, who was released today.”
York’s two misses against the Buccaneers came from 56 and 47 yards. York was a fourth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2022 and was on his fourth team in 3 seasons.
“It’s certainly not ideal, but it does speak to, if it’s not right you don’t sit pat,” Washington head coach Dan Quinn told ESPN. “We will get there. I’m disappointed … but we owe it to everybody to keep digging.”
Scandal Impacted Commanders Kicking Plans
The Commanders thought they’d found their kicker for 2024 when they signed Brandon McManus to a 1-year, $3.6 million contract in the offseason. McManus made 30 of 37 field-goal attempts and all 35 of his extra point attempts in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McManus’ time in Washington was short-lived. The team released him after he was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by 2 women over an alleged incident during his time with the Jaguars. The suit was later dismissed because it did not meet “exceptional case” standards which would have allowed the women to file the lawsuit anonymously, according to ESPN.
